Western Algarve

The finest stretch of the Algarve’s golden cliffs: Lagos old town, Ponta da Piedade, Carvoeiro and the Benagil Cave, extending west to Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern tip of continental Europe, and the surf coast of the Costa Vicentina.

The western Algarve is the most spectacular part of the coast in Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve. Centred on Lagos, it stretches east to Carvoeiro and Benagil in the municipality of Lagoa, west to Cabo de São Vicente at the southwestern tip of continental Europe, and north along the Atlantic-facing Costa Vicentina. The south coast is known for its golden sandstone cliffs, dotted with sea caves, rock arches and small coves: Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana at Lagos; Praia da Rocha and the Alvor boardwalks near Portimão; and Carvoeiro, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and the Benagil Cave at Lagoa. The west coast lies within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, where beaches such as Arrifana, Bordeira and Amado have big waves and few people, making them top surf spots. Inland are the Serra de Monchique with its spa village, and Silves, the old Moorish capital. Getting there: Faro Airport is about 1 hour by car from Lagos, and Lisbon is about 3.5–4 hours by train or bus. Sights are spread out, so renting a car is best; buses and trains run between Lagos and Portimão. The climate is Mediterranean, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year; May–June and September–October are warm and uncrowded, making them the best times. July–August is peak season, with crowded beaches and high accommodation prices; winters are mild, but the sea is cool. The Atlantic is cool all year, and the west coast has strong waves and currents, so swim only at beaches with lifeguards. Allow 4–5 days; the area can be combined with the eastern Algarve towns of Albufeira, Faro and Tavira.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries